US President Donald Trump has officially signed an executive order directing the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). The decision, announced just hours after his second inauguration, renews his administration’s criticisms of the global health body.
The executive order states that the US will “pause the future transfer of any United States Government funds, support, or resources to the WHO” while identifying “credible and transparent United States and international partners” to take over activities previously handled by the organization.
In his address at the White House, Trump accused the WHO of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and claimed that the US had been treated unfairly in its financial contributions. “The United States pays significantly more than other nations, yet China, with a population of 1.4 billion, contributes far less. It’s time to prioritize fairness and accountability,” he said.
A statement published on the White House website elaborated on Trump’s rationale, citing the WHO’s alleged failure to reform, political bias, and disproportionate financial demands on the US. It also highlighted previous concerns over the organization’s response to global health emergencies, including the COVID-19 crisis.
The statement noted that while withdrawal is underway, US representatives will cease involvement in negotiations on the WHO Pandemic Agreement and amendments to International Health Regulations. Furthermore, Biden’s 2024 Global Health Security Strategy, which aimed to address infectious disease threats, will be reviewed and rescinded “as soon as practicable.”
This marks the second time Trump has moved to sever ties with the Geneva-based organization. In 2020, he initiated a similar withdrawal process, which was reversed by the Biden administration in 2021.
Critics have raised concerns about the impact of the withdrawal on global health initiatives. The US, as the largest donor to the WHO, provides significant financial support that underpins many of its programs, including disease prevention and emergency response. The decision is expected to prompt major restructuring within the organization and could disrupt ongoing efforts to combat emerging health threats, such as the recent bird flu outbreak in China.
The withdrawal coincides with international discussions on global health security. WHO member countries are scheduled to meet soon to address the bird flu outbreak and other health concerns, but the absence of US participation under Trump’s leadership may alter the outcomes of these discussions.
In other developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Trump on his return to office, expressing readiness to work toward ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Trump announced plans to meet with Putin shortly, signaling potential shifts in US-Russia relations.
The Trump administration’s decision to exit the WHO reflects a broader strategy to reassert US sovereignty and reconfigure global alliances. However, its long-term effects on international health cooperation and US global influence remain uncertain.
